Monument record CDD 070 - Saxon Graves and Post medieval ditch and Gravel extraction pit at Shrubland Quarry eastern extension

2004: Desktop survey identified the archaeological potential within the 5 hectares area of the proposed quarry extension with a high potential for Prehistoric, Iron Age, Roman and Early Anglo Saxon occupation (S1).

2010: Observation of the topsoil stripping of 2.8ha revealed a large number of archaeological features relating to five archaeological periods:
1). Neolithic: a small cluster of pits on the N edge of the excavated area
2). Bronze Age: a single urned cremation (truncated) towards the SW corner of the excavated area
3). Iron Age: a rectilinear ditched field system, one/two circular structures, a series of four-post structures and a large number of pits (some large). In addition, a large multi-lobed pit that was interpreted as a quarry
4). Roman: a series of intercutting ditches towards the NE edge of the excavation area
5). Post-medieval: occasional pits, a trackway and animal burials.
Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2010 (S2). Full report to follow.

The Saxon phase of this site is represented by three definite and one possible grave. All were located in a tight cluster in Area 3 towards the north of the site. No skeletal remains survived but the presence of grave goods in three of the features confirms that these were likely to be inhumations. These could be outliers from the extensive Saxon cemetery (site CDD 050) located c.350m to the north-west. It is possible that Early Anglo-Saxon settlement was associated with the valley bottom to the west of current village of Coddenham, so these graves could have been visible from and in the sightline of contemporary occupation of that time. Later features dated to be post medieval and modern were north to south running ditches, contemporary with early editions of the Ordnance survey map, and a ditch running at a right angle to this. Further ditches were identified, along with pits, one containing a complete goat skeleton and gravel extraction workings.. A number of predominantly minor features without datable finds were recorded that included 42 pits and 60 postholes/possible postholes (S2).

Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2013 (S4)